Portable Dispenser

ABSTRACT

A portable dispenser or holder is provided. The portable dispenser includes a housing having a sheet product holder area. A bottle holding area adjacent to the sheet product holder area is also provided. The housing includes an opening that provides for dispensing the sheet product to the user. The bottle holding area includes a receptacle to receive a bottle and receptacles for holding used sheet product. A handle is mounted to the top surface of the housing to provide a convenient means for the user to carry the portable dispenser.

CLAIM FOR PRIORITY

This non-provisional application is based upon U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/015,230, of the same title, filed Dec. 20, 2007.The priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/015,230is hereby claimed and the disclosure thereof is incorporated into thisapplication by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to device for holding andcarrying articles and more specifically, to a device having a portionfor holding a sheet product and an opening for holding a bottle.

Carriers or “caddies” are often used where a number of differentarticles are used together in the performing of a task or activity, suchas cleaning for example. A number of supplies are commonly used in thecleaning of cars, trucks, windows and other areas. These items typicallyinclude one or more cleaning solutions and a paper product, such aspaper towel for example. The cleaning solutions, often contained in aspray bottle, are applied to the surface to be cleaned that is thendried with the paper towels which removes the dirt or other contaminantas well as any excess cleaning solution.

Where multiple articles are needed for a task, they are often carried ina piece-meal fashion from a storage area, to the location where theactivity will take place. The carrying of the articles is awkward andmay involve several trips and create an inconvenience to the user.Personnel will sometimes fashion carrying devices, such as from abucket. However, where a task must be performed in a highly visiblelocation, a corporate office complex for example, such makeshiftcarrying devices may be aesthetically unpleasing. Even in otherlocations, the use of buckets or other similar carriers not designed forthis task may not be desired since the bucket will need to be used forits intended purpose and thus not available when the personnel need it.The inefficient and ineffective use of buckets or other carriers forthis task may result in a time-consuming and cumbersome task of locatingan alternative carrying device or resorting to carrying the suppliespiece by piece.

While existing portable dispensers are suitable for their intendedpurposes, there still remains a need for improvements particularlyregarding carrying and storing of supplies in an attractive, integrateddevice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A portable dispenser is provided having a housing with a first surface.The first surface has a first, second, third and fourth walls extendingfrom its periphery. The housing further has a second surface coupled tothe first wall, the second wall and the third wall opposite the firstsurface. The first wall, the second wall, the third wall, the firstsurface and the second surface are arranged to form a generally hollowdispensing portion sized to receive a sheet product. A handle is coupledto the second surface and a first curved slot formed in the housingwherein the first curved slot is sized to receive at least a portion ofthe sheet product.

A portable dispenser is also provided having a first surface. A firstwall, second wall, third wall and fourth wall project generallyperpendicularly from the perimeter of the first surface. A secondsurface is coupled to the first wall, the second wall and the thirdwall. The first surface, the second surface, the first wall, the secondwall and the third wall define a first hollow portion is sized toreceive a sheet product. A second hollow portion defined by the firstsurface, the second wall, the third wall and the fourth wall. The secondhollow portion is sized to receive a bottle. An opening is operablycoupled to the first hollow portion and sized to fit at least a portionof the sheet product.

A portable dispenser is provided having a housing with a first surfaceand a first wall, second wall, third wall and fourth wall. Each wallextends around the perimeter of the first surface. The housing furtherhas a second surface coupled to the first wall, the second wall and thethird wall, where the second surface is disposed opposite the firstsurface. The first surface, the second surface, the first wall, thesecond wall and the third wall define a sheet product holder. The firstsurface, the second wall, the third wall and the fourth wall define abottle holder. A handle coupled to the second surface and an access dooris coupled to the housing. The access door is arranged to provide accessto the sheet product holder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings, which are meant to be exemplary and notlimiting, and wherein like elements are numbered alike:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustration of a portable dispenser inaccordance with the exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view illustration of the portable dispenser of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a side plan view illustration of the portable dispenser ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view illustration of the portable dispenser ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view illustration of an alternate embodimentportable dispenser having a single receptacle;

FIG. 6 is a side plan view illustration of an alternate embodimentportable dispenser that does not have a divider wall;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view illustration of an alternate embodimentportable dispenser having two sheet dispensers;

FIG. 8 is a side plan view illustration of another alternate embodimentportable dispenser having a side sheet dispenser;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view illustration of another alternate embodimentportable dispenser having a center pull sheet dispenser;

FIG. 10 is a side plan view illustration of portable dispenser of FIG.9;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view illustration of an alternate embodimentportable dispenser for holding sheet product;

FIG. 12 is a side plan view illustration of the portable dispenser ofFIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1-FIG. 4 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a portable dispenser10. The portable dispenser 10 includes a housing 12 that is arranged toinclude a sheet product holder 16 and a bottle holder 18. The term“sheet products” as used herein is inclusive of natural and/or syntheticcloth or paper sheets. Sheet products may include both woven andnon-woven articles. There are a wide variety of nonwoven processes andthey can be either wetlaid or drylaid. Some examples includehydroentagled (sometimes called spunlace), DRC (double re-creped),airlaid, spunbond, carded, paper towel, and meltblown sheet products.Further, sheet products may contain fibrous cellulosic materials thatmay be derived from natural sources, such as wood pulp fibers, as wellas other fibrous material characterized by having hydroxyl groupsattached to the polymer backbone. These include glass fibers andsynthetic fibers modified with hydroxyl groups. Examples of sheetproducts include, but are not limited to, wipers, napkins, tissues,rolls, towels or other fibrous, film, polymer, or filamentary products.

In general sheet products are thin in comparison to their length andbreadth and exhibit a relatively flat planar configuration and areflexible to permit folding, rolling, stacking, and the like. The sheetproduct may have perforations extending in lines across its width toseparate individual sheets and facilitate separation or tearing ofindividual sheets from the roll at discrete intervals. Individual sheetsmay be sized as desired to accommodate the many uses of the sheetproducts. For example, perforation lines may be formed every 13 inchesto define a universally sized sheet. Multiple perforation lines may beprovided to allow the user to select the size of sheet depending on theparticular need.

In the exemplary embodiment, the housing 12 is formed from a rigidmaterial that provides the durability needed for being carried duringuse. Suitable materials may include, but are not limited to plastics,such as polypropylene, polycarbonate and polyethylene. Alternatively,materials such as cardboard, wood or metal may be used. A handle 20 isattached to the top surface 22 of the housing 12 to provide a convenientmeans for the user to transport the portable dispenser 10 during use.

The housing 12 includes a bottom surface 24. A front 26, rear 30 andpair of side 28 walls extend around the perimeter of the bottom surface24 and form a generally hollow center portion. In the exemplaryembodiment, the bottom surface 24 has an arcuate portion 32 located inthe center of the surface. The bottom surface 24 further has flatportions 34 adjacent each corner of the lower housing that act as feetand provide stability to the portable dispenser 10 when the portabledispenser 10 placed on the floor or a table. It should be appreciatedthat while the front 26, side 28 and rear 30 walls of the housing 12 areshown as planar, these surfaces may be curved as well.

Alternatively, the housing 12 may be formed in two halves (e.g. an upperand lower housing) that are then connected by a snap or press fit.Alternatively, the housing halves may be mechanically connected by ahinge. A clasp located on the opposite side wall from the hinge wouldmaintain the housing in a closed position.

The housing 12 is formed to have a hollow area that forms the sheetproduct holder 16. An optional first divider wall 36 extends from thetop surface 22 and between the side walls 28 to separate the sheetproduct holder 16 from the bottle holder 18. First divider wall 36allows the sheet products to be carried in the sheet product holder 16without risk of the sheet product getting wet or soiled during use. Asecond and third divider walls 38, 40 extend between the first dividerwall 36 and the front wall 26. The divider walls 38, 40, cooperate withthe front wall 26 and the first divider wall 36 to form a receptacle 42sized to receive a bottle 14, such as a cleaning solution or condimentbottle for example. Receptacle openings 44, 46 are further formed by thedivider walls 38, 40, front wall 26, side walls 28 and first dividerwall 36. In the exemplary embodiment, the receptacle openings 44, 46 mayhold discarded or soiled sheet products.

A slot 48 is formed in the top surface 22 adjacent to the handle 20. Theslot 48 extends generally parallel to the side wall 28. The slot 48extends from the top surface 22 into the sheet product holder 16 and issized to allow the sheet product to be dispensed from portable dispenser10. An optional aperture sheet 50 may be mounted to the underside of thetop surface 22. The aperture sheet 50 includes a narrow slit 52 that isarranged within the slot 48 opening. The slit 52 provides a snug fitthat allows the sheet product to be pulled from the sheet product holder16 without allowing the sheet product to fall back inside. The aperturesheet 50 may be made from any suitable flexible material such as anelastomer, rubber, or plastic for example. In the exemplary embodiment,the aperture sheet 50 is bonded to the underside of top surface 22. Theslot 48 is curved along its length to assist in retaining the sheetproduct and prevents it from falling back into the sheet product holder16.

In the exemplary embodiment, the bottom surface contains an opening 62that is covered by an access door 54. The access door 54 is attached tothe bottom surface 24 of housing 12 by a pair of hinges 56 as shown inFIG. 4. As used herein, “hinge” refers to a jointed or flexible devicethat connects and permits pivoting or turning of the access door 54.Hinges 56 include, but are not limited to, metal pivotable connectors,such as those used to fasten a door to frame, and living hinges. Livinghinges may be constructed from plastic and formed integrally between twomembers. A living hinge permits pivotable movement of the access door 54in relation to the housing 12. The access door 54 is secured in theclosed position by latch 58 coupled to the bottom surface. An optionalgasket (not shown) may be located between the access door 54 and thebottom surface 24 to provide a seal in the event a pre-wetted sheetproduct is used. An optional pair of detents 60 may be formed in theaccess door 54 to aid in keeping the latch 58 in a locked positionduring use.

Alternatively, the opening 62 may be covered by other types of doorssuch as a sliding door (not shown) that has channels that interlock withthe bottom surface 24, or a door with clasps that snap into the opening62 to hold the door in place. Further, the access door 54 may also belocated on one of the walls 26, 28, 30 or the top surface 22.

To fill the portable dispenser 10, the user rotates the latch 58allowing the access door 54 to be moved out of the way providing accessto the sheet product holder 16. The package of sheet product is insertedinto the housing 12 and the first sheet of the package is slid throughthe slot 48, or where applicable, the slit 52. The access door 54 is themoved back into the closed position against bottom surface 24 andsecured with latch 58.

An alternate embodiment portable dispenser 10 is illustrated in FIG. 5.In this embodiment, the second and third divider walls 38, 40 (see FIG.2) are eliminated providing a larger receptacle 64 adjacent the frontwall 26. Further, the first divider wall 36 (see FIG. 2) may also beeliminated as in another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, leaving thesheet product holder 16 open to the receptacle 64. This embodiment maybe desirable to allow a lower cost of manufacture where there is no needto protect the sheet product from liquids or dirt.

Another alternate embodiment cleaning product portable dispenser 10 isillustrated in FIG. 7. In this embodiment, a second slot 66 is formed inthe top surface 22 adjacent to the handle 20 opposite the first slot 48.The inclusion of a second slot 66 provides advantages by allowing theuser to have access to two different types of sheet products, one forcleaning glass and one for cleaning counters for example. Where multiplesheet products are desired, an optional divider wall (not shown) mayseparate the two sheet products allowing the both pre-wetted and drysheet product to be carried simultaneously without commingling.Alternatively, the incorporation of the second slot may allow the userto double the amount of a single type of sheet product carried. Aaperture sheet 50 (see FIG. 2) may also be mounted to the underside oftop surface 22 and arranged to assist in holding the sheet productwithin the slots 48, 66.

This embodiment further has a single divider wall 68 between the firstdivider wall 36 and the front wall 26. The divider wall 68 forms twoopenings 70, 72 that are sized to fit cleaning solution bottles 14 (seeFIG. 1). Having the ability to carry multiple cleaning solutions may beadvantageous where different solutions are needed for differentsurfaces, glass and tile for example. It should be appreciated that thisembodiment may also have multiple divider walls 68 as illustrated in theexemplary embodiment.

Another alternate embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 8. In thisembodiment, a slot 74 is formed in the side wall 28 of housing 12. Theslot 74 extends through the side wall 28 and into the sheet productholder 16 (see FIG. 3). The slot 74 allows the dispensing of sheetproduct from the side of the portable dispenser 10 instead of the topsurface 22. Similar to the embodiments described above, an aperturesheet 50 (see FIG. 2) may be mounted to the inside of wall 28 to assistin retaining the sheet product in the slot 74. This embodiment mayprovide advantages in allowing the top surface 22 to be used as awriting surface for example.

Another alternate embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10. Inthis embodiment, the portable dispenser 10 includes a center pull sheetdispenser opening 76. The center pull opening 76 is arranged on the rearwall 30 of housing 12. In a center pull type arrangement, the sheetproduct is removed spirally from the center of a coreless roll of sheetproduct while the roll of sheet product lies in the sheet product holder16 (see FIG. 3). The opening 76 may include an optional dispensingnozzle 78. The nozzle 78 has a center opening 80 extends through opening76. A plurality of slits 82 are arranged radially around the centeropening 80. As the user pulls the sheet product, the slits 82 allow thenozzle 78 to slightly expand into a tapered shape while maintaining asnug fit on the sheet product. The tapered opening frictionallyrestrains the sheet product as it is pulled through the nozzle 78 andthe sheet product is torn off, one sheet at a time, along a line ofperforations.

This embodiment further includes a pair of divider walls 84, 86 that arelocated between the first divider wall 36 and the front wall 26. Thedivider walls 84, 86 cooperate with the front wall 26, first dividerwall 36 and side wall 28 to form two openings 90, 92 sized to fitcleaning bottles 14 (see FIG. 1). A receptacle 88 is formed between thedivider walls 84, 86 to provide the user with a convenient storagelocation for used sheet product.

In some applications, it may not be necessary for the user to carrybottle or other articles other than the sheet products. This may beadvantageous, for example, if the user has sheet products that arepre-wetted with a cleaning solution. In the alternate embodimentillustrated in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the receptacles for bottle 14 (seeFIG. 1) have been eliminated. This provides for a portable dispenser 10having a housing 12 that includes a sheet product holder 16. Similar tothe exemplary embodiment, an opening 62 is covered by a access door 54to allow the insertion and removal of sheet product. A slot 48 is formedon the top surface 22 to allow the dispensing of sheet product. A handle20 is mounted to the top surface 22 to provide a convenient means oftransporting the portable dispenser 10.

The embodiments described herein provide a portable dispenser thatprovides an improved solution for the transportation of articles. Theportable dispenser provides a single holder that contains the items.Further, the portable dispenser provides additional advantages. Thesheet product is protected from contamination and kept clean and dryduring use, for example. Also, it is common for janitorial staff to keepa record of when certain locations have been cleaned, a rest room asfurther example. The portable dispenser disclosed herein provides aconvenient and reliable means for keeping records, by placing a recordbook in the receptacles formed by the divider walls for example.Alternatively, a recording label could be attached to the top surfaceproviding a place for record keeping and a convenient writing surfacefor the user. Further, the embodiments may be used for a variety oftasks or activities that need both a carrying location and a sheetproduct dispenser. Such tasks and activities include, but not limitedto, the carrying cleaning supplies, a restaurant caddy for carryingcondiments and napkins, and a picnic basket.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims. Also, in the drawings and thedescription, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of theinvention and, although specific terms may have been employed, they areunless otherwise stated used in a generic and descriptive sense only andnot for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention therefore notbeing so limited. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, front,rear, top, bottom etc. do not denote any orientation, order orimportance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used todistinguish one element from another. Furthermore, the use of the termsa, an, etc. do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denotethe presence of at least one of the referenced item.

1. A portable dispenser comprising: a housing having a first surface with a first, second, third and fourth walls extending from a periphery of said first surface; said housing further having a second surface coupled to said first wall, said second wall and said third wall opposite said first surface; said first wall, said second wall, said third wall, said first surface and said second surface being arranged to form a generally hollow dispensing portion sized to receive a sheet product; a handle coupled to said second surface; and, a first curved slot formed in said housing wherein said first curved slot is sized to receive at least a portion of the sheet product.
 2. The portable dispenser of claim 1 wherein said first curved slot is on said second surface adjacent said handle.
 3. The portable dispenser of claim 2 further comprising a second curved slot on said second surface, said second curved slot being arranged adjacent to said handle on a side of said handle opposite said first curved slot.
 4. The portable dispenser of claim 1 wherein said first curved slot is on said second wall.
 5. The portable dispenser of claim 1 further comprising: a first divider wall connected to said second surface opposite said first wall and extending between said second and third walls, wherein said divider wall, said second wall, said third wall, and said fourth wall are arranged to form a receptacle sized to receive at least one bottle.
 6. The portable dispenser of claim 5 further comprising a second divider wall between said first divider wall and said fourth wall, said second divider wall being arranged to form a first and second receptacle.
 7. The portable dispenser of claim 6 wherein said first and second receptacle are each sized to receive a bottle.
 8. The portable dispenser of claim 1 wherein said housing further includes an access door for insertion of the sheet product into said hollow dispensing portion.
 9. A portable dispenser comprising: a first surface; a first wall, second wall, third wall and fourth wall projecting generally perpendicularly from the perimeter of said first surface; a second surface coupled to said first wall, said second wall and said third wall; a first hollow portion defined by said first surface, said second surface, said first wall, said second wall and said third wall, wherein said first hollow portion is sized to receive a sheet product; a second hollow portion defined by said first surface, said second wall, said third wall and said fourth wall, wherein said second hollow portion sized to receive a bottle; and, an opening operably coupled to said first hollow portion and sized to fit at least a portion of the sheet product.
 10. The portable dispenser of claim 9 further comprising a divider wall extending between said first and said second surfaces and between said second wall and said third wall, wherein said divider wall separates said first hollow portion and said second hollow portion.
 11. The portable dispenser of claim 10 further comprising a handle mounted to said second surface.
 12. The portable dispenser of claim 11 wherein said opening is positioned on said second surface adjacent said handle.
 13. The portable dispenser of claim 11 wherein said opening is positioned on said first wall opposite said divider wall.
 14. The portable dispenser of claim 11 wherein said opening is positioned on said second wall.
 15. The portable dispenser of claim 14 wherein said opening is a curved slot.
 16. The portable dispenser of claim 15 further comprising a second divider wall coupled between said fourth wall and said divider wall to form at least one receptacle sized to receive said bottle and at least one receptacle sized to receive said sheet product.
 17. A portable dispenser comprising: a housing having a first surface and a first wall, second wall, third wall and fourth wall, each wall extending around the perimeter of said first surface, said housing having a second surface coupled to said first wall, said second wall and said third wall, said second surface disposed opposite said first surface; a sheet product holder defined by said first surface, said second surface, said first wall, said second wall and said third wall; a bottle holder defined by said first surface, said second wall, said third wall and said fourth wall; a handle coupled to said second surface; and, an access door coupled to said housing, said access door arranged to provide access to said sheet product holder.
 18. The portable dispenser of claim 17 wherein said bottle holder further comprises a first and second divider wall, said first divider wall and said second divider wall cooperating with said fourth wall to form a first receptacle.
 19. The portable dispenser of claim 18 wherein said first receptacle is sized to receive a bottle.
 20. The portable dispenser of claim 19 wherein said first divider wall, said second wall and said fourth wall cooperate to form a second receptacle. 